Whether you’re just getting started or trying to sharpen your game, understanding the Pickleball Scoring System is a must. It’s one of the most confusing parts of the game, especially in doubles play.
One small scoring mistake can throw off the flow, cause arguments, or cost you the match. When you know the rules, you play smarter, stay focused, and have a better time on the court.
What Is the Scoring System in Pickleball?
Pickleball uses something called side-out scoring. That means only the team or player serving can earn a point. If the server makes a mistake or commits a fault, they lose the serve. The other team gets a chance to serve, but they don’t get a point from that rally.
Here’s how the scoring system in pickleball works:
- Only the server can score a point
- If the serving side commits a fault, they lose the serve
- Games are usually played to 11 points
- A team must win by at least 2 points
- If the score is tied at 10 to 10, the game continues until one team leads by 2
This scoring format is used in both singles and doubles, but doubles has a few extra rules that make it a little trickier.
Key Terms in the Pickleball Scoring System
Before diving into gameplay, it’s helpful to know a few important terms used in pickleball scoring rules:
- Fault: A mistake or rule violation that ends the rally. This includes hitting the pickleballs out of bounds, stepping into the kitchen during a volley, or making an illegal serve.
- Side-out: This happens when the serving team loses the rally. They don’t lose a point, but the serve goes to the other team.
- Winning Margin: You have to win by two points. So if it’s tied at 10–10, play continues until someone wins 12–10 or more.
Doubles vs. Singles Scoring in Pickleball
Scoring works differently depending on whether you’re playing singles or doubles. Here’s a simple breakdown:
That third number in doubles scoring tells you which server is serving, and it’s important for keeping the rotation in order.
Also, if you’re new to the game and curious about how pickleball equipment differs from other sports, check out our guide on the pickleball paddle vs. tennis racket. It highlights how the right gear influences control, power, and overall gameplay.
Other Scoring Variations You Might See
While most Pickleball games follow the traditional pickleball scoring system, some formats use different rules. These include:
- Rally Scoring: In this version, every rally earns a point, no matter who served. This is more common in casual games, not in tournaments.
- Games to 15 or 21: Some games may be played to a higher score instead of 11. Always double-check before you start.
- Custom Tournament Rules: Some tournaments may use their own serve orders, scoring methods, or tiebreak rules. Always read the rules before joining.
How to Score in Pickleball: Step-by-Step (Doubles Example)
Let’s break down how scoring works in a standard doubles game.
1. Game starts at 0–0–2
The “2” means it’s the second server. Team A starts with only one server at the beginning.
2. First serve happens from the right side
If Team A wins the rally, the same player switches sides and serves again. The score is now 1–0–2.
3. If Team A loses the rally
They lose the serve, and Team B takes over with their first server.
4. Team B gets two chances to serve
First player serves until a fault. Then the second player serves. After both commit faults, the serve switches back to Team A.
5. Keep track of server numbers
Always know who is server 1 and server 2. This helps keep the rotation clean and avoids disputes.
Why Understanding Pickleball Scoring Rules Is So Important
Scoring confusion is one of the most common issues on the court. Here are a few mistakes players often make:
- Switching sides at the wrong time based on the score
- Forgetting that only one server starts the game
- Mixing up which teammate is server 1 or 2
- Ending the game early without the two-point lead
- Using rally scoring when side-out scoring is expected
Knowing the scoring rules in pickleball keeps the game fair and reduces arguments.
Tips for Learning the Pickleball Scoring System
If you’re new to the pickleball game or still figuring out how scoring works, try these simple tips:
- Use a whiteboard or scoreboard to track points and server numbers
- Practice scoring a few mock points before real games
- Try a scoring app or ask someone to help keep track in your early matches
- Before every game, confirm the scoring rules, target score, and who serves first
Why It Matters on the Court
The Pickleball Scoring System is the foundation of the game. When you understand it, everything else flows better. You can focus on your strategy, positioning, and teamwork instead of wasting energy on confusion or rule debates.
Whether you’re playing in a casual game or a tournament, knowing how scoring in pickleball works gives you a serious edge.
FAQs
1. Why does the score start at 0-0-2 in doubles?
To keep things fair, the team that starts the game only gets one serve, not two. That’s why the game begins at 0-0-2; the “2” tells you it’s the second server, even though it’s the first rally.
2. Can you score points when you’re not serving?
No. In the standard side-out scoring system, only the serving team can score a point. If you’re receiving and win the rally, you just get the chance to serve, not a point.
3. How do I know which side to serve from?
Use your score:
- If your score is even, serve from the right
- If your score is odd, serve from the left
This works the same for both singles and doubles.
4. What do the three numbers in doubles scoring mean?
Example: 6-4-1
- First number = your score
- Second number = opponent’s score
- Third number = server number (1 or 2)
Knowing this helps keep the rotation and positioning correct.
5. What happens if the score is tied at 10 to 10?
You must win by 2 points. The game doesn’t end at 11. You keep playing until one team is ahead by two, like 12-10 or 13-11.